Inferential Reading
The following piece of straightforward text invites rather complex forms of inferential reading and thinking. Consider how the different annotations of this text reveal different types of inferential reading and thinking.
He put down $10.00 at the window. The woman behind the window gave $4.00.
The person next to him gave him $3.00, but he gave it back to her. So, when they went
inside, she bought him a large popcorn. (1,2,3,8) figured out to whom the pronouns relate
(5,6) gave explanations for events
(4,6,9) decided where it was taking place
(5, 7,10) decided why the characters were doing what they were doing
(10) figured out what the relationship was between the characters
(6) used my own knowledge about the world to provide details Suggested Strategy:
Find similar examples of seemingly straightforward text and annotate the text to identify the various inferences that are required by the reader.
Inference
Inferring:
"reading between the lines"
*draw conclusions
*make predictions
*form interpretations
*answer questions
*make connections between conclusions, beliefs and knowledge
*make judgements
Ten types of inference:
1. LOCATION
2. AGENT
3. TIME
4. ACTION
5. INSTRUMENT
6. CAUSE-EFFECT
7. OBJECT
8. CATEGORY
9. PROBLEM-SOLUTION:
10. FEELING - ATTITUDEdrawn from Johnson and Johnson (1986)
"I think that.........."
"I predict......"
"My guess is....."
"My conclusion is......"
Inferential Reading
The following piece of straightforward text invites rather complex forms of inferential reading and thinking. Consider how the different annotations of this text reveal different types of inferential reading and thinking.
He put down $10.00 at the window. The woman behind the window gave $4.00.
The person next to him gave him $3.00, but he gave it back to her. So, when they went
inside, she bought him a large popcorn.
(1,2,3,8) figured out to whom the pronouns relate
(5,6) gave explanations for events
(4,6,9) decided where it was taking place
(5, 7,10) decided why the characters were doing what they were doing
(10) figured out what the relationship was between the characters
(6) used my own knowledge about the world to provide details
Suggested Strategy:
Find similar examples of seemingly straightforward text and annotate the text to identify the various inferences that are required by the reader.